Ta-boo

The History of a Palm Beach Legend…

Ta-boo was opened in 1941 by Ted Stone shortly before the U.S. entered World War II. Stone owned the restaurant for 14 years before selling it to Jim Peterson in 1955. Peterson held on to Ta-boo until 1975, after which it underwent several ownership changes until Franklyn deMarco and Nancy Sharigan reopened the doors in October of 1990.

From the beginning, Ta-boo quickly became a haven for it’s wealthy and well known patrons. Sporting an intimate bar and roll-away roof that allowed dining under the stars, the restaurant drew the likes of John F. Kennedy, Frank Sinatra, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and other celebrities. Today you might see Rod Stewart, James Patterson or Hoda and Kathy Lee enjoying a casual meal.

The bistro became the center for a trove of tales and anecdotes, ranging from one about the German submarine commander who came ashore for a couple of drinks during World War II, to the claim that the Bloody Mary was concocted one morning by a bartender at Ta-boo, at the request of Barbara Hutton for a soothing drink after a night of partying.
Over the years, the restaurant has been a winner of a host of awards. Society tabloids and food and wine publications crowned Ta-boo for it’s understated elegance and influential gatherings. Ta-boo has been hailed as the best night spot in the country to “drink, laugh, and meet women.”

Ta-boo’s fame and following has grown over the years and has quicky become “a must” on every travelers list when visiting Palm Beach. It is said, “If you were not seen at Ta-boo, you were not seen in town.”